PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The Presque Isle Rotary Club is back for its 76th annual auction that includes a fresh twist! In 2020 The Presque Isle Rotary Club re-engineered their traditional Rotary Auction in response to the pandemic by creating the Great Big Give Back (GBGB raffle basket event). The club experienced great success and continued this event through their 100th anniversary this past April, but club members and the community alike still reminisce about the historic roots of the club’s signature fundraising event.
“When you mention the Rotary Auction, long-time community members immediately get nostalgic about calling in their bids and hearing them read aloud on TV or radio,” says Jordyn Madore, this year’s club president. “The auction is what our club is most recognized for, so this year our auction co-chairs decided it was time to move back towards our auction roots while also keeping in mind the features of the GBGB that the community gravitated to. We are hoping this year’s approach has a way to participate for almost everyone!”
Rotarians are excited to announce that the club is returning to a more standard auction format in April with three ways for the community to get their bids in. The increasingly popular online auction that has been featured since 2018 will have a three-week run where anyone, anywhere will be able to bid on items, gift cards, and services. Then April 5-6 the PI Rotary Auction will get the general community involved in the fun by hosting two nights of in-person bidding during both the silent and live auctions. The event will wrap up with an open to the public celebration with entertainment.
“As our club gears up for its 76th annual auction, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community and local businesses. Their generosity has been the cornerstone of our success over the years, no matter the format and cause. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has and will continue to contribute to this enduring tradition. Together, we continue to serve, support, and build a stronger community — one auction at a time,” said Co-Chair Matthew Bouchard. “In keeping with the auction tradition, proceeds from the event will be used by the PI Rotary Club to first fund their annual programs and projects and then to support local community organizations.”
The club is still actively seeking donations for the auction. If your business is interested in getting involved in the auction through a gift or cash donation, please reach out to Bouchard at Matthew.Bouchard@mmgins.com. To stay up to date on this unique community event, please visit www.presqueislerotary.org.
